History for Orlando Pirates! Super-subs Tshepang Moremi and Tshegofatso Mabasa lead the Buccaneers to fourth-consecutive MTN8 title with victory over Stellenbosch

Orlando Pirates took control from the outset, with Sipho Mbule and Relebohile Mofokeng dictating play in the early exchanges. Despite their dominance, Stellenbosch’s defence held firm, cutting out every attempt inside the penalty area.

The Cape Vinelands side had a few promising moments of their own, as Lehlohonolo Mojela and Sanele Barns combined in the final third, but they were unable to trouble goalkeeper Sipho Chaine.

At the opposite end, Sage Stephens was called into action, making key saves to keep out long-range efforts from Thalente Mbatha and Mbule as Pirates struggled to create clear-cut chances in the box. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the teams went into the halftime interval locked at 0-0. 

Early in the second half, both sides sought to assert themselves at opposite ends. Pirates were denied by Stephens, who brilliantly saved Makgopa’s point-blank chance. Stellenbosch then gained momentum, pressing their opponents and showing more intent going forward. In stoppage time, Pirates earned a free-kick, but Oswin Appollis sent it over the bar, and the full-time whistle blew, sending the game into extra time. 

The stalemate was finally broken early in extra time, as substitute Tshepang Moremi calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net. The scoring didn’t stop there for the defending champions, as another substitute, Tshegofatso Mabasa, stepped up to double the lead. Moremi went on to get his brace with a brilliant finish to guide Pirates to a 3-0 victory and a fourth-consecutive MTN8 title.

Mthetheleli Mthiyane of Stellenbosch held his ground admirably against the likes of Mbule and Mbatha, commanding the midfield for the Cape Winelands side. 

Given the firepower at Pirates’ disposal, their 90-minute display proved frustrating for fans, as the team struggled to be as clinical as expected. Until the likes of substitutes Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis and Tshegofatso Mabasa came on to make the difference.

The Buccaneers now turn their attention to continental duty, with a CAF Champions League preliminary round clash against Lesotho’s Lioli up next.  

Their midweek Premier Soccer League fixture against Magesi, originally set for Wednesday, 17 September, has been postponed.